Blinque's Butterfly Garden

• Plant native! Native plants are vital to insects in your area, plus they're going to thrive with less work than non native plants. No space is too small to create a pollinator sanctuary. Cincinnati area residents, check out our links section for local growers we recommend and frequent.

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• Make your yard a no spray zone! Basically all chemicals made to spray your yard for pests or weeds can harm pollinators. Please try alternative methods for pest control.

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• Support local farmers and bee keepers! You can support them by buying local produce and honey.

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• Provide nectar plants for pollinators! Part of the reason these species are in decline is a loss of habitat and viable food sources. Planting nectar plants will give migrating pollinators a snack to keep them going on their way and help feed local pollinators. Nectar plants include trees, too! Native maples, redbuds, and black cherry are your best options.

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• Leave dead stems from plants that die back until the following spring! Some insects nest in these stems, so removing them too early takes away a natural home for them through the winter. 

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• Use puddlers or bee baths! These are shallow bowls filled with a small amount of water and sometimes marbles or pebbles. The pebbles prevent insects from drowning while they stop for a drink. Yes, even insects need a drink of water sometimes.

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• Spread the word! Tell others what you've done to make a difference.